Pastor Chris Oyakhilome does not have a new wife. As of April 2026, the founder of Christ Embassy (LoveWorld Inc.) has not remarried since his divorce from Anita Ebhodaghe was finalized in 2016. Despite recurring online rumors and speculation, both Pastor Chris and his ex-wife have consistently denied any remarriage claims. He continues to wear his wedding ring and remains single while leading his global ministry.
Key Takeaways
- No new wife exists. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has not remarried anyone since his 2016 divorce.
- The divorce from Anita Ebhodaghe became official in 2016 after a separation that began in 2014, ending 23 years of marriage.
- Anita also remains unmarried, despite confusion caused by her use of the surname “Schafer” on personal platforms.
- Reconciliation rumors are false. Both parties have denied reports of getting back together.
- Pastor Chris still wears his wedding ring, which some interpret as a sign he hasn’t moved on, while others see it as a personal choice unrelated to marital status.
- His ministry has continued without interruption. Christ Embassy’s global operations have expanded since the divorce.
- Anita now lives in London with a low public profile and no involvement with Christ Embassy.
- Online search interest remains high because of periodic tabloid stories and social media speculation.
Why Do People Search for “Pastor Chris Oyakhilome New Wife”?
The search stems from a combination of genuine curiosity and misleading headlines. Pastor Chris leads one of Africa’s largest megachurches with millions of followers worldwide. When a public figure of that stature goes through a high-profile divorce, every subsequent interaction with a woman becomes tabloid fodder.
Several factors keep this search trending:
- Clickbait articles that use suggestive headlines without confirming any actual remarriage
- Social media posts misidentifying women photographed near Pastor Chris at events
- Anita’s surname change to “Schafer,” which led some to believe she remarried (she hasn’t)
- The cultural expectation in many Nigerian and African Christian communities that a divorced pastor would eventually remarry
The bottom line: no credible source has ever confirmed a new marriage. Every major report on the topic concludes the same way — Pastor Chris remains single.
What Happened Between Pastor Chris and Anita Ebhodaghe?
Pastor Chris married Anita Ebhodaghe in 1991. For over two decades, they co-led Christ Embassy, with Anita serving as a visible partner in ministry. Their separation became public in 2014, and the divorce was finalized in 2016.
Timeline of Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Pastor Chris and Anita marry |
| 2014 | Separation becomes public |
| 2016 | Divorce officially finalized |
| 2016–present | Both remain unmarried |
The divorce proceedings were handled relatively quietly given the couple’s public profile, though Nigerian and international media covered the story extensively. Neither party has publicly disclosed the specific reasons for the split in full detail, though Anita’s petition reportedly cited behavioral concerns.
Has Pastor Chris Oyakhilome New Wife Been Confirmed by Any Source?
No. Not a single credible news outlet, church statement, or verified social media account has confirmed a new marriage. Here’s what the evidence actually shows:
- Christ Embassy’s official communications make no mention of a new spouse.
- Pastor Chris’s public appearances since 2016 show him attending events alone or with ministry colleagues — never with a woman identified as a wife.
- He continues to wear his wedding ring, which some followers interpret as a sign of hope for reconciliation, though this remains speculation.
Common Mistake
Many people confuse event photos or ministry partnerships with romantic relationships. Pastor Chris frequently appears alongside female pastors, ministry leaders, and event coordinators. None of these interactions constitute evidence of remarriage.
What Is Anita Ebhodaghe Doing Now?
Anita Ebhodaghe relocated to London following the divorce and has maintained a deliberately low public profile. She is no longer affiliated with Christ Embassy in any official capacity.
Key facts about Anita’s current life:
- She lives in London and has stepped away from large-scale public ministry
- She used the name “Anita Ebhodaghe Schafer” on her personal website, which triggered remarriage rumors
- She has denied remarrying, and no evidence supports claims that “Schafer” refers to a new husband — it may be a family name or personal choice
- She has not publicly reconciled with Pastor Chris
The confusion around Anita’s surname illustrates how small details can spiral into major rumors when public figures are involved.
Why Does Pastor Chris Still Wear His Wedding Ring?
This detail generates significant discussion among followers and observers. Several interpretations exist:
- Personal sentiment — He may view the ring as a personal item unrelated to current marital status
- Cultural or spiritual symbolism — Some pastors in charismatic traditions view marriage covenants as permanent regardless of legal status
- Public image management — Wearing the ring may deflect unwanted attention or matchmaking attempts
- Hope for reconciliation — Some Christ Embassy members have speculated this, though both parties deny it
Without a direct statement from Pastor Chris explaining the choice, any interpretation remains speculation.
How Has the Divorce Affected Christ Embassy’s Ministry?
The short answer: minimally, at least in terms of organizational growth. Christ Embassy (also known as LoveWorld Inc.) has continued expanding since 2016.
Post-Divorce Ministry Developments
- Healing School events continue globally with large attendance
- LoveWorld TV networks broadcast across multiple continents
- The Rhapsody of Realities devotional maintains distribution in over 7,000 languages and dialects
- Pastor Chris has addressed marriage and relationships in sermons, occasionally referencing challenges without directly discussing his own divorce
The organization’s structure didn’t depend on the couple’s marriage, so operational continuity was never seriously threatened. However, the divorce did prompt conversations within the congregation about pastoral accountability and the theology of divorce in ministry leadership.
What About Reconciliation Rumors Between Pastor Chris and Anita?
Reports of a potential reconciliation have surfaced multiple times since 2016, particularly within Christ Embassy circles. Both parties have denied these claims.
Why the rumors persist:
- Followers who believe in the permanence of marriage often hope for reunion
- Occasional social media posts are misinterpreted as hints
- Some church members have reportedly encouraged reconciliation privately
The reality: There is no public evidence of communication between the two, shared appearances, or any steps toward reunification. Both appear to have moved forward with separate lives.
Does Pastor Chris Speak Publicly About Marriage After His Divorce?
Yes. Pastor Chris has addressed marriage-related topics in sermons and at ministry events since the divorce. He has spoken about:
- The importance of commitment in marriage
- How couples can navigate challenges
- Spiritual principles for relationship health
He has not, however, made detailed public statements about his own divorce or his views on personal remarriage. This approach is consistent with his general tendency to keep personal matters separate from ministry messaging.
How to Identify Fake News About Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s New Wife
Given the volume of misleading content online, here’s a practical checklist for evaluating claims:
Red flags that a story is likely false:
- Â No named source or official statement from Christ Embassy
- Â Headline uses question marks (“Has Pastor Chris remarried?”) rather than declarative statements
- Â Article body contradicts the headline (common with clickbait)
- Â Photos show ministry events, not wedding ceremonies
- Â No date, byline, or verifiable publication
Signs a source might be credible:
- Named journalist with a track record
- Direct quotes from involved parties
- Published by an established news outlet
- Consistent with other verified reporting
FAQ
Q: Does Pastor Chris Oyakhilome have a new wife in 2026?
A: No. As of April 2026, Pastor Chris has not remarried. He remains single since his 2016 divorce from Anita Ebhodaghe.
Q: Who was Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s first wife?
A: Anita Ebhodaghe, who co-led Christ Embassy with him from their 1991 marriage until their separation in 2014.
Q: When did Pastor Chris get divorced?
A: The divorce was finalized in 2016, two years after the couple separated in 2014.
Q: Has Anita Ebhodaghe remarried?
A: No. Despite using the name “Anita Ebhodaghe Schafer” online, she has denied remarrying and no evidence confirms a new marriage.
Q: Why does Pastor Chris still wear a wedding ring?
A: He has not publicly explained this choice. Interpretations range from personal sentiment to cultural symbolism, but none are confirmed.
Q: Are Pastor Chris and Anita getting back together?
A: No. Both parties have denied reconciliation rumors, and there is no evidence of renewed contact.
Q: Did the divorce affect Christ Embassy?
A: The ministry has continued to grow and operate without significant disruption since 2016.
Q: Where is Anita Ebhodaghe now?
A: She lives in London with a low public profile and is no longer involved with Christ Embassy.
Q: How many children do Pastor Chris and Anita have?
A: They have two daughters, Carissa Sharon and Charlene, who have maintained relatively private lives.
Q: Has Pastor Chris made any statement about remarrying?
A: No public statement about plans to remarry has been made by Pastor Chris or his representatives.
Conclusion
The question of whether Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has a new wife has a straightforward answer: he does not. As of 2026, a full decade after his divorce from Anita Ebhodaghe, the Christ Embassy founder remains unmarried. Both he and his ex-wife have repeatedly denied remarriage and reconciliation rumors.
For anyone encountering headlines suggesting otherwise, apply basic media literacy: check for named sources, official statements, and consistency with established reporting. Until a verified announcement comes from Pastor Chris or Christ Embassy directly, all claims of a new marriage should be treated as unconfirmed speculation.
The most reliable approach is to follow official Christ Embassy channels for any future announcements regarding Pastor Chris’s personal life, rather than relying on tabloid coverage or social media rumors.